Page 46 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
“Look elsewhere. They are already married.”
Anna felt her body tense up slightly in surprise as an arm wrapped around her, relaxing a moment later when she realized just who was holding onto her.
The stranger looked a little embarrassed, glancing between them uncertainly.
“Oh. I did not realize – I am sorry –”
“Perhaps you should learn to think a little, rather than spewing whatever thoughts have slipped into your mind. And stay away from other men’s wives.” Julian stated with a glare.
Lord Brownstone coughed uncomfortably, and sauntered away quickly, mumbling under his breath. Anna expected her husband to take away his hold on her, but he only tightened his grip as he turned to face Leah.
“Lady Greenrow. Good evening.”
Leah curtsied delicately, the smile on her face widening slightly at the sight of her sister’s husband.
“Good evening, Your Grace. I did not expect that our first meeting would be under such… circumstances,” she said.
“Neither did I. Thank you, for recommending a nursemaid, for Nicholas. My wife has been going above and beyond for the boy and was very nearly disregarding her own health in the process. The additional help was much needed.” Julian nodded.
Anna tried to wriggle away, gasping when he pulled her impossibly closer as Leah replied with a little laugh.
“That’s Anna, ever ready to give her all to whatever cause she deems worthy. I am glad I could be of assistance.”
Julian dropped his gaze to Anna who was starting to feel a little too warm in his grasp, and he asked softly,
“Would you like to dance with me, wife? It would be a shame to come all this way for such an event, only to not spend even a moment of it enjoying ourselves.”
Anna blinked, pleasantly taken aback. She did not expect that her husband would be interested in spending any time with her, but oh, how the closeness between them drove her wild with want.
“A-All right. I would be honored, dear husband,” she smiled up at him softly.
Julian seemed pleased with her response, momentarily shifting his attention back to her sister.
“It was nice to meet you, Lady Greenrow. You have my gratitude, once more.”
“The pleasure is mine, Your Grace. Thank you for looking after my sister.” Leah responded with a grin, winking at Anna, who blushed deeply.
Julian tilted his head in the direction of the dance floor, asking lowly.
“Shall we?”
And in a moment, the worries that had plagued Anna’s mind all even fell silent and she slipped her hand into her husband’s, shyly nodded.
“Yes. Let’s.”
Julian felt disconcertingly out of character.
It had been one thing for his gaze to constantly follow Anna around the ballroom, unable to keep his attention off of her for long moments. It had been another thing to be blinded by jealousy as a man had approached his wife and her sister, his eyes carrying stars and the obvious intention he had.
It was clear the man did not know who she was and had not bothered to ask, as that was the only way he would have had the gall to approach a married woman so blatantly. But even in idea of a misunderstanding had not stopped Julian’s veins from flooding with wrath, ready to show this stranger just who he had trifled with.
But as he had held onto Anna, felt the warmth of her presence seeping into his skin again, the irritation that had bubbled beneath his skin dissipated rapidly. The look of surprise and mild relief in her eyes had nearly pushed him to kiss her senseless, there and then.
It was infuriating, how easily her existence seized control of his body and mind. He could never seem to help himself with matters concerning her, and it only further alerted him of how dangerous she was.
“I did not expect you to be such a proficient dancer,” Anna murmured as he guided them through a waltz.
“Why did you expect otherwise?” he asked, curious.
